Want to win a bar bet? Here’s a good one: Which NFC team currently holds the longest streak of consecutive playoff appearances? The answer might surprise you—it’s the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have made the playoffs five straight seasons, a remarkable feat considering the competitive nature of the NFL. With only the Atlanta Falcons standing in the way, the Buccaneers could be on their way to a sixth consecutive postseason appearance.
Let’s break down what makes the NFC South so intriguing this year.
The NFC South is shaping up to be a division of contrasts. The Buccaneers are the steady, battle-tested team looking to extend their playoff streak, while the Falcons are the flashy newcomers hoping their gambles pay off.
Meanwhile, the Saints are a team on the brink of change, and the Panthers are desperately trying to find their way out of the wilderness. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see how these storylines develop, but one thing is clear: the NFC South is never short on drama.
Atlanta Falcons: Flashy Moves, But Do They Have the Substance?
The Falcons had one of the most active off-seasons in the NFL, making a series of high-profile moves aimed at turning the franchise around.
However, there’s a lingering question mark at quarterback. Kirk Cousins, acquired in the off-season, is coming off a torn Achilles—a serious injury for any player, let alone a quarterback who relies on his mobility and precision.
While Cousins has been a solid performer throughout his career, the uncertainty surrounding his health makes it hard to fully buy into the Falcons’ hype. They have the potential to challenge the Bucs for the division, but a lot will depend on Cousins’ recovery and performance.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Team to Beat?
Tampa Bay’s success has been steady, even as they’ve navigated the challenges of injuries, roster changes, and the occasional coaching shake-up. Last year, Baker Mayfield found a second wind with the Bucs, resurrecting his career after stints with Cleveland, Carolina, and the Los Angeles Rams.
The Buccaneers have done just enough this offseason to keep the core of their team intact, providing Mayfield with the weapons he needs to lead them to another NFC South title. While they might not be the dominant force they were a few years ago, Tampa Bay’s experience and resilience can’t be underestimated.
New Orleans Saints: On the Edge of a Coaching Crisis?
The New Orleans Saints enter the season with head coach Dennis Allen firmly on the hot seat. After a disappointing 2023 campaign, many expect Allen to be the first head coach fired this year. The Saints have struggled to find consistency in recent seasons, and the pressure is mounting.
The team has talent on both sides of the ball, but if they start the season poorly, don’t be surprised if the front office pulls the trigger on a coaching change. If you’re a betting person, booking Allen as the first coach to be fired might be a wager worth considering.
Carolina Panthers: A Franchise in Disarray
The situation in Carolina is nothing short of chaotic. The Panthers have been plagued by poor management decisions, leading to a roster that lacks direction and coherence. Despite the passionate fan base in Charlotte, the team has been unable to put together a competitive squad.
It’s a shame, really, because the people of Charlotte deserve a better team than what they’ve been given. Until the front office can get its act together, the Panthers are likely to remain at the bottom of the NFC South.
Which NFC South team should New Jersey bettors back?
Odds to win NFC North
- Atlanta Falcons +100
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers +300
- New Orleans Saints +340
- Carolina Panthers +1000
While the Falcons are the favorite (and heavy one at that), it is Tampa Bay that has been the best team in the division for a long time.
We think that those odds of +300–and some New Jersey sports books have the Bucs higher–are definitely worth a play. You will most likely be able to get the Falcons around this price after four to six weeks of the season, to see if they are legit first before possibly backing them.
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